Mike Hixson 
Fall Gospel Meeting September 27th.-October 1st. 2026

What I Owe My Home Congregation Kent Bailey​

Unto the church of the Lord in every locality, I am under solemn obligation, to the extent of my ability. But unto my home congregation, I am under special obligation. I want my home congregation to radiate a wholesome influence in the community. Therefore, I owe it the example of a good life. For I must “live soberly, righteously, and godly” (Titus 2:12). I want the strangers who enter the door of the meetinghouse to feel at home, to learn to love to return. They are our guests. I owe it to them, and to the church, to show myself friendly. I must not stand back and expect everyone else to greet them (Hebrews 13:2). No congregation can make progress without faithful and efficient leaders. To a certain extent, the members of the church make or break their leaders. To the end that our leaders may be stronger and more efficient, I should give them my support. I should pray for them. My home congregation has financial obligations which are due at regular intervals. Whether I give or do not give, these obligations must be paid. If God has commanded weekly giving, and the congregation counts on the members’ weekly giving in worship to handle its obligations, then I should give of my means each week. Though circumstances may force me to be absent at times, my regular contributions should still find their way into the treasury of the church (1 Corinthians 16:2). I know that the very existence of my congregation depends upon the attendance of its members. I must realize that my willful absence is a discouragement to the preacher, the elders, and every other faithful member of the congregation. But then, it is also a disappointment to the Lord, for I have sinned (Hebrews10:25ff). I do not want it said that my congregation perished because I did not attend its meetings. I want my home congregation to grow, to multiply in numbers. Therefore, I must be set to do the noble work of winning souls for Christ (Luke 19:10). This I can do by teaching and persuading. This I can do by persistent effort. This I can do by bringing them to the assemblies. My home congregation cannot thrive in a frigid atmosphere. I must not, by my carelessness, allow the church to become a place where hearts are chilled. I must make it a place where hearts are warmed. I owe it the warmth of my life. We must meet our obligations to the best of our ability. We must, with the help of God, fulfill our part in the incomparable work of building up the body of Christ. Are YOU doing your part to see that your congregation is doing these things?

—via The Baker Bulletin, Baker Church of Christ (Baker, FL)—March 29, 2026

 Bulletin Article